1
as in democratic
of, relating to, or favoring political democracy
having rid itself of the yoke of colonialism, the new nation chose to be a self-ruling state
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in independent
not being under the rule or control of another
was granted special status as a self-ruling province
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of self-ruling
Xi also wants to focus on Washington’s stance on Taiwan, the self-ruling democracy that Beijing claims as its territory.
—
Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 13 May 2026
But the real change might be in East Asia, where Kim’s belligerence and rising fears regarding China’s designs on self-ruling Taiwan had already reenergized the nuclear debate.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 28 Mar. 2026
Not only that, but Greenland, a self-ruling territory of Denmark, lacks the infrastructure and manpower required to make this mining dream a reality.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026
Like Assad before him, Sharaa now faces complex negotiations toward bringing these self-ruling territories under his command.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
In recent years, Beijing has ramped up economic, diplomatic and military pressure on Taiwan – a self-ruling democracy the Chinese Communist Party claims as its own despite having never governed it.
—Eric Cheung, CNN, 13 Mar. 2023
In a meeting earlier with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Raisi expressed support for China's crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong and claim to self-ruling democratic Taiwan.
—Bradford Betz, Fox News, 17 Feb. 2023
Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 13 May 2026
But the real change might be in East Asia, where Kim’s belligerence and rising fears regarding China’s designs on self-ruling Taiwan had already reenergized the nuclear debate.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 28 Mar. 2026
Not only that, but Greenland, a self-ruling territory of Denmark, lacks the infrastructure and manpower required to make this mining dream a reality.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026
Like Assad before him, Sharaa now faces complex negotiations toward bringing these self-ruling territories under his command.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
In recent years, Beijing has ramped up economic, diplomatic and military pressure on Taiwan – a self-ruling democracy the Chinese Communist Party claims as its own despite having never governed it.
—Eric Cheung, CNN, 13 Mar. 2023
In a meeting earlier with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Raisi expressed support for China's crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong and claim to self-ruling democratic Taiwan.
—Bradford Betz, Fox News, 17 Feb. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-ruling
Adjective
-
According to the club, these students should also be potential leaders who have sustained our democratic way of life and exhibited outstanding citizenship traits.—
Elizabeth Marie Himchak,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 May 2026
-
These clear violations show a reckless disregard for the rule of law and our democratic process.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
27 May 2026
Adjective
-
Cepeda has advocated for a more independent foreign policy and greater Latin American integration, while right-wing candidates Abelardo de la Espriella and Paloma Valencia have argued for closer alignment with Washington on security and economic issues.—
Sebastian Jimenez,
CNN Money,
31 May 2026
-
Local businesses, such as independent coffee shops, small law or accounting firms, boutique fitness studios, and neighborhood landscaping companies, often have job openings.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
Voltage says this provides the material with radio-frequency transparency advantages that may benefit autonomous vessels carrying communications systems, sensors, and electronic payloads, although evaluation is ongoing for specific operating frequencies.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
26 May 2026
-
The organizing effort has unfolded alongside the rapid expansion of autonomous vehicle technology.—
Leah Willingham,
Los Angeles Times,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
Yields fell across the board, catching up with large declines seen in European sovereign yields on Monday.—
Sean Conlon,Joseph Wilkins,
CNBC,
26 May 2026
-
The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are pouring sovereign capital into domestic AI compute.—
Jon Markman,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
In the Executive and Premier One-Bedroom Suites, a separate living room adds a place for gathering or relaxing while someone else is asleep.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
-
In 2024 and 2025, four hearing officers in the appeals unit filed complaints against the department, leading to three internal investigations by human resources, according to a separate, outside probe conducted by Flynn Investigations Group, a firm specializing in workplace reviews.—
Sam Tabachnik,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-ruling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-ruling. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
